Bali Crimes
Bali Crimes – Police Cracks Down On Pickpockets In Top Tourism Destinations
Compared with many places in the world, crime in Bali is very low; local police still work around the clock to reduce the risk of criminal activity.
Street crime, such as pickpocketing and drive-by robberies, is among the most prevalent crimes against tourists in Bali. Areas where there is a high density of tourists and nightlife venues, such as Canggu, are prime locations for opportunistic thieves to strike.
To help anticipate and mitigate the risk of street crime in Canggu, the North Kuta Police have been conducting increased night patrols in the area.
The North Kuta Police have identified the key areas of Canggu where street crime is most likely to occur, including Jalan Raya Kerobokan, Pengubengan Kauh, Bumbak, the Canggu Shortcut, and the length of the Tibubeneng-Canggu route.
Typically, night patrols have been conducted over the weekends, but with Canggu a 7-day-a-week kind of nightlife destination, North Kuta Police are now engaging in patrols on weeknights too.
On Tuesday, 10th February, North Kuta Police units, led by Supervisory Officer (Pawas) Iptu I Gede Artawan, patrolled Canggu’s most vulnerable areas.
Main Article: Bali Crimes
The police teams also conducted spot checks on drivers and stopped to chat with both residents and tourists who were out in public areas.
Police officers reminded the public to be vigilant and not to carry valuables while moving through the area.
Speaking to reporters, North Kuta Police Chief, Commissioner I Ketut Agus Pasek Sudina, shared, “We remind residents to always be alert and look after their valuables, especially not to carry shoulder bags or other valuables that could attract the attention of pickpockets.”
He urged the public to immediately report any potential crime or emergency to the police. “We hope that through these patrols, the crime rate in North Kuta can be reduced, and the public can feel safer and more comfortable when carrying out activities at night.”
Contrary to urban myth, Bali Police have a solid record of tracking down stolen items, returning them to the rightful owner, and holding thieves to justice. This can only be done, however, when reporters are made in a detailed and timely manner.
Tourists traveling in the Canggu area, as well as Bali’s other top nightlife destinations, including Legian, Seminyak, and Uluwatu, are reminded that it is not only thieves that they must be vigilant for, but sadly also their fellow travellers.
Drunk and disorderly behaviour by tourists is not uncommon in Bali’s busiest nightlife resort areas, and Badung Regency Police have been concerned about the number of reports tallied up in the first month of 2026 alone.
Main Article: Bali Crimes
Speaking to reporters, First Inspector Ni Nyoman Ayu Inastuti, who is the Head of the Public Relations Sub-Division of the Badung Police, explained, “During January, seven foreign nationals reported being victims. The cases varied, including assault, vandalism, fraud, and aggravated theft, and assault.”
Adding “If there is a public order disturbance, report it immediately to the nearest police station or via the National Police Call Center at 110.”
What is clear is that Bali Police are continuing to take tourist safety seriously and are taking a proactive approach to tackling crime of all kinds in the island’s top tourism resort areas.
Tourists traveling in these areas are reminded to obey the law, cooperate with local police, drink responsibly, and take the necessary safety precautions when heading out on a night out.
All of Bali’s major beach clubs and nightlife venues, including those in Canggu, have experienced security teams who are also on hand to support guests in the event of an emergency.
Main Article: Bali Crimes
Bali Religious Festivals 2026
It is one of the most wonderful times of the year to be in Indonesia. As a majority Muslim nation, more than 260 million people in Indonesia are observing the holy month of Ramadan.
In Bali, which is a majority Balinese Hindu province, preparations are underway for the holy day of silence, known as Nyepi.
With these religious festivities happening nationwide, an increased police presence will be available to help ensure everyone is safe.
On Wednesday, 25th February, the Denpasar Police held a Public Order and Security Alert Roll Call to mark the holy month of Ramadan. These kinds of roll call events are held regularly ahead of police operations and big public holidays and festivals.
The roll call event was held in the courtyard of the Denpasar Police Headquarters and was led by the Denpasar Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Leonardo D. Simatupang.
The roll call was also attended by the Chairman of the Denpasar City Branch of Nahdlatul Ulama and the Denpasar City Muhammadiyah Leadership.
This alert roll call was held as a precautionary measure in light of increased public mobility during Ramadan. During this period, public activity and the tourism sector tend to increase, including worship services at mosques and other places of worship, shopping centers, and nighttime activities.
Police across Indonesia have noted that there is a potential for this increased movement of people to hold the potential to cause security disturbances, such as street crime, traffic accidents, traffic congestion, and even vulnerability in crowded areas. These kinds of roll call events and increased police patrols are being held throughout Indonesia, not just in Bali.
While Bali is a predominantly Balinese Hindu province, the island is home to many Muslims, some of whom were born and raised there and others who have moved from other parts of the country for work.
Domestic travel for vacations and to connect with family also increases throughout Ramadan, as many Muslims who live in Bali travel to their family homes nationwide, and many families travel to Bali for vacation. This increased movement and travel usually peaks around Eid al-Fitr, which will fall on 21st March 2026 in Indonesia this year.
During the roll call, Police Chief Simatupang told officers to “strengthen personnel presence in crowded areas, places of worship, and locations of religious activities through preventive patrols and public order and security visits. [We must] maintain the sanctity of Ramadan by providing a sense of security and comfort to the public.”
He noted the importance of cooperation between the National Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and relevant stakeholders in anticipating potential security disruptions during the holy month.
The overall mission is clear: to provide the best possible service to the public, particularly in supporting worship and religious activities, is a top priority.
He concluded, “The public has high hopes for us to provide a sense of security and comfort during the Ramadan fasting month of 1447 H. Carry out this duty with full responsibility, sincerity, and a spirit of devotion.”
For tourists traveling to Bali during Ramadan, there are very few changes in day-to-day life that would impact a vacation.
Main Article: Bali Crimes
However, for tourists traveling to Bali and other areas of the country, it should be noted that daily activities can change considerably to accommodate both fasting and worship.
Neighbouring destinations like the Gili Islands, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo are all majority muslim regions, and as such, tourists can expect to encounter differing operating hours, especially in more remote areas.
That said, for the most part, life does go on as usual, and business operating hours in areas popular with tourists generally remain consistent.
This is just a friendly reminder to expect the unexpected, to respect the holy month of Ramadan, and maybe keep some snacks in your bag in case restaurants are closed.
Main Article: Bali Crimes
All above articles are provided by “The Bali Sun“
Read also our important article about “Bali Rental Compliance for Foreigners“
